The what, why and how for universities seeking to become truly civic institutions

Universities around the UK are making ambitious declarations to drive a new civic agenda by reshaping their objectives to be more aligned to their local needs.

This research reviews universities’ approaches to become more civic and suggests long-term objectives and strategies for delivering more effective civic universities.

We have set out key stages for civic action planning and eight calls to action, which formalises universities’ work into clear public facing civic agreements that make a tangible difference to prosperity, social justice and sustainable development.

We developed this short guidance to support universities, local governments and other key organisations along this journey to help them become truly civic institutions.